Re: Today I Bought: January 2012

Originally Posted by mikeperez23

Buying vintage VdN always terrifies me R. I have bought vintage VdN in the past that has turned and really couldn't be worn at all...that particular note in the top notes (jonquil?) just smells absolutely horrible when it ages improperly. I hope yours smells wonderful. I happen to be thoroughly enjoying my 'new' VdN parfum that I got last year, so I'm set myself.

I was definitely taking a risk with this one Mike, especially with it being so old. What I've concluded from my vintage purchases is that if an old Guerlain is stored in its box, it will keep in reasonable condition for decades. I thought it likely that this one had been because the shape of the bottle (and even the metal clasp on the string) was imprinted on the satin in the box lid.

I've opened it now and tested it, and I'm very pleased with the quality of the juice! It smells a little off for the first 15 minutes or so, as some of my vintage Shalimar does, but then it sorts itself out and smells amazing for hours.

Compared to the modern, this one is lacking a feminine shimmery element in the opening (aldehydes I think?) and has an anisic note through the heart and base. The drydown is denser and more alive. It's a bit kaleidescopic, as different facets come into focus over time and when sniffed from different distances. That was my initial impression from testing on my wrist at least, so they may change when I give it a proper wearing.

I've heard that VdN doesn't age well, and it may not in absolute terms. It may be very different than when it was new. However, I'm very happy with this one, and it's a treat to be able to sniff even a somewhat compromised classic built out of the highest quality materials with no restrictions. If you see a clean, sealed vintage bottle still in it's box, I say go for it!

Re: Today I Bought: January 2012

A little disappointment today. A few days back I sampled a fragrance By Kilian that was supposed to be „Love”. I wanted to test it more intensively and got me a decant. Which arrived today and smelled completely different than what I expected. Obviously I had a sample of „Love and Tears”.
Also the decant blind buy of 34 Boulevard Saint Germain is not my taste.
Will pass them on…

Re: Today I bought ~ January 2013

I fell off the full bottle wagon.

At the beginning of the month I bought a bottle of the wonderful but discontinued Slumberhouse Baque. The perfumer had mixed up a special batch of it based on several requests, and I just happened to ask about it at the right time. Since I only need 1-2 sprays for any wearing, a 50ml bottle should last me a very long time.

Last night I finally answered the "will I or won't I" question about my 4th Sonoma Scent Studio fragrance -- a 17ml bottle of the lovely Voile de Violette and a sample of the first fragrance in Laurie's "Naturals" line, Cocoa & Sandalwood, are on the way.

Joining the SSS fragrances are a 50ml bottle of Robert Piguet Visa and a 50ml bottle of Serge Lutens Gris Clair. (hugs self. giggles.)

I'm still eyeing a bottle of Mazzolari Lei, but I haven't pulled the trigger ... yet.

I almost forgot -- I also bought the entire suite of Slumberhouse samples and have been enjoying those, particularly Pear + Olive and Jeke.

Re: Today I bought ~ January 2013

Originally Posted by ExtremeK

Last night I finally answered the "will I or won't I" question about my 4th Sonoma Scent Studio fragrance -- a 17ml bottle of the lovely Voile de Violette and a sample of the first fragrance in Laurie's "Naturals" line, Cocoa & Sandalwood, are on the way.

ExtremeK, please report on Cocoa & Sandalwood. I'm very curious about the scent. I would've bought a sample if shipping to Poland wasn't few times higher than the sample cost.

Re: Today I Bought: January 2012

Originally Posted by rubegon

I was definitely taking a risk with this one Mike, especially with it being so old. What I've concluded from my vintage purchases is that if an old Guerlain is stored in its box, it will keep in reasonable condition for decades. I thought it likely that this one had been because the shape of the bottle (and even the metal clasp on the string) was imprinted on the satin in the box lid.

I've opened it now and tested it, and I'm very pleased with the quality of the juice! It smells a little off for the first 15 minutes or so, as some of my vintage Shalimar does, but then it sorts itself out and smells amazing for hours.

Compared to the modern, this one is lacking a feminine shimmery element in the opening (aldehydes I think?) and has an anisic note through the heart and base. The drydown is denser and more alive. It's a bit kaleidescopic, as different facets come into focus over time and when sniffed from different distances. That was my initial impression from testing on my wrist at least, so they may change when I give it a proper wearing.

I've heard that VdN doesn't age well, and it may not in absolute terms. It may be very different than when it was new. However, I'm very happy with this one, and it's a treat to be able to sniff even a somewhat compromised classic built out of the highest quality materials with no restrictions. If you see a clean, sealed vintage bottle still in it's box, I say go for it!

Great news R!

I owned a small purse sized spray (those rectangular ones in those gold, metal boxes with the grill on the side) that was half filled - I remember paying way too much for it on eBay but it was absolutely in perfect condition and I can agree with you that the basenotes were heavier, thicker, more complex.

I have mentioned before, years ago, that this scent and I had a very 'bittersweet' olfactory memory. I wore the vintage extrait one very magical night, and all of a sudden every time I wore it thereafter, little pieces of that night would flood into my mind. Night flight, indeed. The memories have faded a bit, now I just smell VdN for what it is: a wonderful oriental with tons of Guerlinade and the ability to transport me (like Shalimar and L'Heure Bleue and Jicky extrait...) to a soft, cushioned, luxurious state-of-mind.

"When you become comfortable with uncertainty. infinite possibilities open up in your life"

Re: Today I bought ~ January 2013

Today I had to go to the customs. I was hoping so much the parcel would just sneak through. But it was worth the time and the money I spent on it.
A lot of four vintage Chanels. A 200 lm bottle Coco EdP, with 50 ml left (it was the least interesting item for me); a 50 ml bottle N°19 EdP, nearly full; a 30 ml bottle Bois des Îles extrait, 20 ml left and a 200 ml bottle with no label containing 30 ml. I wished it was Cuir de Russie – and it is!
I've just tried once the current version and liked it. Now trying this (the bottom of the bottle say Eau de Parfum) I can understand what d4ni3l mentioned here. The beginning is really pungent. But it's done in two minutes.
Bois des Îles I've also tried the new EdT and was not impressed at all. But this version here is so amazing – I am very happy.

Re: Today I bought ~ January 2013

I blew my giftcard money on a 40ml bottle of Angel edt and a giftset of Versace Versus -the newer one in the purple ombre bottle.Angel was $39.99 and the VV was $15 (giftcard was $30...oh well I could have got the Lily Sanguine,the eau de prep,or other things...)

Re: Today I bought ~ January 2013

Caron Tabac Blond 100ml EDP from the Caron NY boutique. Apparently it was the last 100ml piece, and I got it for $170 +$10 for shipping. No tax. Since there's a gigantic price hike in the offing, I'm glad I snagged this at the old price.

Re: Today I bought ~ January 2013

I just ordered a bottle of Mona di Orio's Ambre (been lusting after this one awhile) for about $135 w/ shipping--happy very early birthday to me (at least that's how I'm justifying the purchase). Penny Lane Perfumes is having a 25% off store-wide online sale, and their MdOs are still pre-price-hike (I almost bought Ramon Monegal's Cuirelle too, at those prices...)

Re: Today I bought ~ January 2013

Originally Posted by quixoticcynic

I just ordered a bottle of Mona di Orio's Ambre (been lusting after this one awhile) for about $135 w/ shipping--happy very early birthday to me (at least that's how I'm justifying the purchase). Penny Lane Perfumes is having a 25% off store-wide online sale, and their MdOs are still pre-price-hike (I almost bought Ramon Monegal's Cuirelle too, at those prices...)

Thanks for the heads up. But bugger, Mona's Vanille and Vetiver are sold out. They are sold out everywhere which offer coupons, except at bloody lucky scent who charge full price + a hefty 9% CA sales tax. Would've LOVED to score a bottle or three of Vanille at $130. Oh well.

I did, however, order the Puredistance sample set from Luckyscent. The set contains 4 x 2ml sprays of all of the four Puredistance scents, and it's a line I've always wanted to test. $60 + tax, and I threw in a couple of samples to bring the total to $75 so that I can then be eligible for 3 complimentary samples. I'm looking forward to testing Loretta and Mito and Naomi Goodsir's two new scents.

Re: Today I bought ~ January 2013

Today I found (and promptly purchased) new-old-stock Chanel Coco and No5, both 80s edp refills ...yay! Can't have too many of those.

Science is not only compatible with spirituality, it is a profound source of spirituality. When we recognize our place in an immensity of light-years and in the passage of ages, when we grasp the intricacy, beauty, and subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility combined, is surely spiritual...Carl Sagan

Re: Today I bought ~ January 2013

I finally bought a bottle of Un Bois Vanille! It's been on my wish list forever and I've been through about 3 decants so I know I love it. As I mentioned, I had a gift card and I've been really indecisive on just how to spend it. Hubby was out of town last weekend and I'm always weak when it comes to online retail therapy when he's gone. I hit the BUY button about 2:00 am, but I have no regrets!

Re: Today I Bought: January 2012

Where did you find this vintage? I am considering buying an extrait of VdN though I've not smelled it EVER. I've read many reviews and think I would like it. I believe it's about 30-40 years old. It would be a blind, expensive buy, but worth it, I hope.

Re: Today I Bought: January 2012

Originally Posted by Curly11

Where did you find this vintage? I am considering buying an extrait of VdN though I've not smelled it EVER. I've read many reviews and think I would like it. I believe it's about 30-40 years old. It would be a blind, expensive buy, but worth it, I hope.

Re: Today I bought ~ January 2013

^ Thanks, g - I plan to!

Science is not only compatible with spirituality, it is a profound source of spirituality. When we recognize our place in an immensity of light-years and in the passage of ages, when we grasp the intricacy, beauty, and subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility combined, is surely spiritual...Carl Sagan

Re: Today I bought ~ January 2013

Originally Posted by shadesofbleu

I finally bought a bottle of Un Bois Vanille! It's been on my wish list forever and I've been through about 3 decants so I know I love it. As I mentioned, I had a gift card and I've been really indecisive on just how to spend it. Hubby was out of town last weekend and I'm always weak when it comes to online retail therapy when he's gone. I hit the BUY button about 2:00 am, but I have no regrets!

Congrats S! I bet it smells yummy on you (on me, it's a big ol' mess...couldn't pull it off).

"When you become comfortable with uncertainty. infinite possibilities open up in your life"